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Subj: Get Ready, America
Dear BuzzFlash,
His poll numbers are down. His reelect numbers are really tanking. People are protesting the coming war in Iraq. No one likes the way he is handling North Korea. Some are still asking, where is Osama? Republicans and Democrats alike are against his tax plan. Everyone is noticing that he is for the rich and the white. He is trying to pack the court. Most Americans think he is out of touch. Get ready, I think it's time for another terrorist attack!!!
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Republicans, Affirmative Action, and Judy Woodruff
Dear BuzzFlash,
I just sent the following message to the writers of ABC's "The Note":
Hey guys:
I'm surprised when you talked about Republicans, University of Michigan and affirmative action that you didn't equate Bush's friend of the court brief with the seemingly contradictory message sent by Republicans who attended the recent Republican leadership meeting on race relations.
Republicans leaders, in consultation with conservative African Americans, agreed that they had to "reach out" to blacks, to ensure that there were more African Americans on their staffs, and to ensure that more African Americans ran for office. These goals were articulated on "Inside Politics." Republicans, however, seemed taken aback when Judy Woodruff replied, "But isn't this affirmative action?"
Shouldn't others in the press take up where Woodruff left off, and ask Republicans how Republican methods for attracting more African Americans to their own ranks differ from those methods employed by the University of Michigan?
Thanks for listening.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: The 800-Pound Tax Cut Gorilla
Dear BuzzFlash,
One by one, every Republican hack with an economics background (and not a few who lack one) is standing up in front of the American people and telling us that the several trillion dollar downward swing in the long-run budget forecast is the result of a few short-run economic shocks. My question is, do any of these partisan goons have the guts to try to explain, in simple terms, how it is possible for short-run shocks to lead to a long-run budget crisis without bad policy being involved in some way?
Paul O'Neill, as much as I dislike the man, at least had enough self-respect to refuse to consistently appear on television trying to explain ballooning long-term deficits without mentioning the one major long-term policy that has been successfully implemented by the Bush administration - huge tax cuts, tilted heavily toward the rich and sure to continue to drain federal revenues over the course of the next ten years and beyond (does anyone still believe they will be simply allowed to expire?) The economists on the RNC payroll aren't going to suddenly grow a conscience... so it's up to reporters to ask - how can a mild recession, a terrorist attack and a market adjustment result in record 10-year deficits (which are NOT "historically modest" by any means, despite the assertions of Mitch Daniels http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usbudg0116,0,1713381.story?coll=ny%2Dtop%2Dheadlines) where there were just recently record 10-year surpluses?
It's also laughable that the projections do not include the cost of the seemingly impending war in Iraq, since not only is it obvious that the administration is pushing for war, but that Iraq is far from the last target of this irresponsible and dangerous regime.
Adam Short, BuzzFlash Reader
Hi BuzzFlash
The repugs really don't understand that affirmative action isn't just about blacks, do they? President Dittohead apparently doesn't realize that affirmative action is how he got into Harvard and Yale, not to mention all the other lucky breaks in his life. The same goes for much of his administration, and the same goes for a good portion of the wealthy class in this nation. Wealth, privilege, nepotism - is that not affirmative action? You shouldn't get into college based on your skin color - but you should get into college based on your wealth and connections. More stuff to make me puke. I think the Democrats ought to be screaming about this. Just more racism and hypocrisy.
Barbara in NYC
Hey Buzz!
Is someone going to ask Trent Lott (on camera, of course) how he feels about the situation at the University of Michigan? Last I heard, he supported affirmative action :)
Thanks for all the hard work.
Chris
Subj: Power Play
Dear BuzzFlash,
Always in the history of America there has been vicious political maneuvering and manipulation all in the name of power. There is a particular form of insanity that seems to set in to small minded self serving people when they reach the white house. For a little history on some of these adventures, I give you this link to John Dean's article on presidential scandals. A worthy read indeed. It will catch the younger generation up with the older generation's clear view of today's events.
http://writ.news.findlaw.com/dean/20020719.html
Then follows John Dean's very clear explanation of Today's power grab. VERY interesting read: This should be on prime time with pictures so that the non voting public can see it.
http://writ.news.findlaw.com/dean/20021011.html this is part I
http://writ.news.findlaw.com/dean/20021025.html this is part II
For all of our edification,
BuzzFlash Reader
Dear BuzzFlash,
In response to "A BuzzFlash Mom" distressed about the selective service, let me say:
Me, too.
But I am a homeless mom with no resources and nearly no energy left.
My son turned 18 on the first day of spring. He's currently living with his older sister. His schooling is also in jeopardy. His choices are damn near none.
But they'll call him up in a flash to fight this pointless and insane war - after which the world will be an even scarier place.
People forget how quickly the draft escalated and the lottery settled the recruitment question in Viet Nam.
BuzzFlash mom is not alone. Lots of us are worrying the same situation. She should be upset and scared. We all should be. Scared enough to shout out loud all over the place until this insanity is once and for all stopped. I wish I could offer her some support, some advice, but there seems to be nothing else for it but to make noise for peace anyway we can, to throw these corporate war mongering maniacs all the way out of office. Here in Minnesota, I believe they committed murder to have it their way. In the name of our dearly beloved dead Senator, Paul Wellstone, we vow to carry on to save our children, our sanity, and our world.
So let us support the young (and old) who have the strength and energy to march for peace, as this coming weekend. Let us support the cause of peace and justice whichever way we can - use the mails, the computer, the telephone, the newspapers, both feet and the vote to make them hear, to make them listen.
Because, as Arthur Miller put it, they are all our sons.
Let's never forget that. Good luck to BuzzFlash Mom and all the Moms (and Dads) all over the world.
Lynn Carol
Owatonna
Minnesota
Subj: Don't Fall For It
Dear BuzzFlash,
When I heard about Bush's decision to oppose affirmative action at the University of Michigan, my radar started buzzing, and I thought, "What is Karl Rove up to?"
I think this is bait. I wouldn't fall for it. If I was a Senator or other prominent democrat, when asked about it I would say, "Well, President Bush is cutting taxes again for the wealthy while throwing a little bone to the rest of you, and he's preparing to send American soldiers into Iraq for no good reason. Now he wants to end affirmative action for qualified applicants, when he himself, a C student, got into Yale based on his family connections. So I'll fight against all these actions."
I know my line doesn't make much sense, but it refuses the trap.
Sincerely,
Peter Fuhry
Subj: Utah GOP
Dear BuzzFlash,
"At a recent Central Committee meeting Thompson compared the Republican officers' endorsement of a Democrat to committing acts of murder, rape or child abuse."
If this is the mindset of the national GOP, then we have the rebirth of the 3rd reich. i hope that we will hear more about this and what the people of utah, think of it.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Mr. Kurtz has lost his virginity.
Dear Ombudsman Getler:
I have appended some appalling quotes from the latest Howard Kurtz scribbling. Once upon a time, I regarded Mr. Kurtz as an ombudsman of sorts, being able to fairly distinguish between screed and scribe. I thought he was one of the 'greats.’
Sadly, I bring this to your attention. It appears that Kurtz is out there digging up tabloid dirt. Is this the direction the Washington Post is directing Kurtz to fly? Why?
I think Kurtz is angling for a more lucrative CNN spot. He does not deserve it. He has lost his reputation for fairness. He has become tabloid trash. Howie, are you 'stepping out' on the little woman? What are you hiding? What will it take to expose your dirt? I feel that you are the consummate hypocrite. I hope you are exposed. I hope the Washington Post reels you in. And I pity you. Really.
Alan J.
Franklin
Houston,
Texas
Howie’s Ramblings:
"We thought of this yesterday while reading pieces about the Democratic contenders that dissect some of their quirky behavior. This, we hasten to add, is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. If you want to know about John Kerry's behavior in bars, stay tuned."
"There is definitely something strange and a little bit disturbing about Bob Graham's fetish for writing the most mundane and trivial details of his day in a series of brightly colored 3x5-inch spiral-bound notebooks."
"Years ago, Kerry regarded himself as above the needs of rank-and-file state activists and mayors. He had, for lack of a better description, a maturity problem. He would regularly dispatch trusted friends to inform young women in bars, 'The senator would like to meet you.' He would think nothing of whining and shouting at reporters if he didn't like what they were about to write."
"Last week, in contrast, he talked about his failed marriage and his current one, about the perspective that comes with the experience of age."
"How long before the tabloids start paying women for their stories? "You know that Clinton is going to step into this, if for no other reason than to try to salvage his administration's reputation on how they handled North Korea in 1994," says a Republican staffer on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "He's going to muck this up, he can't help himself."
Somebody stop Howie. He is digging himself a deep hole with no way out.
A. J. Franklin
Subj: Empty shells discovered! Wow!
eleven rusty
shells setting in a box
could did would contain a pox
all they can talk about on nasty old Fox
Van Tobin
Subj: Robert Novak on GOP&Hillary - CNN Inside Politics 1/16/03
http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0301/16/ip.00.html
Moving on now to Bob Novak joining us with some "Inside Buzz."
And, Bob, turning to politics, I understand there's some talk among Republicans on the Hill about the junior senator from New York?
ROBERT NOVAK, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Judy, there is no question that Hillary Rodham Clinton is a rising star in the Senate. And Republicans are scared to death she's going to be the vice presidential nominee in '04.
So, one veteran operative has got a memo out cautioning Republican senators to stay away from her. Don't co-sign letters with her. Don't co-sponsor legislation with her. Don't be photographed with her. Don't go on junkets with her. And, above all, don't socialize with her. Stay away from Hillary.
WOODRUFF: So, we won't see her with any Republicans over the next two years.
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Sebastion Millionaire scores again
Dear Buzz,
The local paper printed my assessment of the Bush tax plan.
cheers,
CR
Bush helps super-rich again
Editor:
Thank you George W. Bush for another slap in the face. While working-class Americans continue to suffer as the recession deepens, the President proposes another tax giveaway to the super-rich. Go figure.
Bush must've had his brain scrambled from listening to one too many Ari Fleisher press conferences. What else could explain a guy who called himself a "compassionate conservative" turning his back on middle class America?
The economy is in a shambles. Unemployment is rising almost as fast as gas prices. The stock market is floundering, like a fish flopping on a polluted beach. Corporate criminals are still running amok. And the deficit just keeps growing fueled by tax cuts for the super-rich.
It's tough out here in middle class America, Mr. Bush. Joe and Mary Working Stiff are struggling to put food on their table, to keep a roof over their heads, to pay for healthcare, and to keep their kids in warm clothes.
But poor ol' Sebastian Millionaire! He might have to settle for a Lexus instead of a Maserati. It's tough doing without. Unless, of course, Congress rubber stamps Dubya's proposed tax break for the super-wealthy, then Sebastian might just treat himself and get one of each.
George W. Bush once said his favorite philosopher was Jesus. If that's the case, what would Jesus do? Would he favor policies that reward the super-rich at the expense of the poor and working class? Or would he try to help those in need? Would he say one thing and do the other? Or would he do what is right?
CR
Subj: NY Times - DANGEROUS_BUSINESS
Dear BuzzFlash,
This link is to the series of three stories the Times did in cooperation with Frontline on the "good capitalist" McWane family of Birmingham, AL and the treatment of their workers, bordering on and often crossing the line of abuse and death.
The NY Times will archive these articles as "pay to play" via the their search engine (they disable Google and other search engines via meta tags) but the direct links will remain active and freely available for those who boomark them. Highly recommended reading
Please, share widely.:
http://www.nytimes.com/ref/national/DANGEROUS_BUSINESS.html
A BuzzFlash Reader
Subj: Tax Cuts?
Dear BuzzFlash,
It seems to me that the best way to stimulate the economy is cutting the taxes on unemployment benefits. These unlucky people are not only out of a job with very few opportunities, now they will have to come up with cash to pay for Baby Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy. And by the way, aren't these benefits already taxed to the employer? Or am I wrong? Double taxation.
Kathie Gatfield
Subj: Quote of the Day
From a friend in Oceania:
Isn't a "empty chemical warhead" a pipe? And, when can you have a "smoking gun" that has never been fired?
A BuzzFlash Reader
Re: The Peter Bronson "Lie-Brary": Part II
Dear BuzzFlash,
I have not read Bronson's article recycling the line about Clinton's staff trashing the White House and Air Force One, nor do I intend to read his right wing propaganda. But this event brought to mind an event which occurred in Oklahoma in 1994. The Imperialist Governor Frank Keating has just been anointed Ruler of Oklahoma, by the Ultra Rich, Ultra Right Media owned by the Gaylord family. The first thing his pompous majesty did was claim that former Governor David Walter had stolen all the furnishings from the Governor's Mansion. This was gloriously reported in the Daily Oklahoman and the subject of many opinion pieces. What was not so highly touted by the Oklahoman (if at all) was former Governor Walter's reply that he had moved all the furnishings out of the mansion and replaced it with his own and had left the furniture in storage because he knew Governor and Mrs. Keating would want to furnish the home themselves and the Governor's office was well aware of this.
David Walters ran for U.S. Senator in Oklahoma during the 2002 season of paranoia campaign of the Republican party and was sorely beaten. One Republican told me he was glad Walters lost because he had stolen the Governor's Mansion furniture. Which brings me to the purpose of Mr. Bronson's article which is not to be accurate but to continue the slander in this turbulent time of failing faith in the Republican mantra. Fear, anger, reprisal has been and always shall be the Republican answer to the facts.
Richard Dunaway
Subj: David Letterman's " Top Ten Way's GWBush can Raise His Approval Ratings. "
Dear BuzzFlash,
Here's a link to Letterman's "Top Ten Way's Bush Can Raise his Approval Ratings." It's amusing, considering that it's not intended to be real social, or political commentary. The important thing about it is, that without public political dissent and ridicule from people who are esteemed by the public, the movement to rid ourselves of Bush Inc. may go nowhere. Especially in the media environment today. Unfortunately, many people are influenced by celebrity opinions, rather than their own research. This is why it is so important for those who are in the public spotlight to speak out. Kudo's to Letterman, Penn, Le Carre, Michaels, Sarandon, and Streisand. We need more of them !
A Buzzer
